The bar chart above details the growth of urban citizens worldwide, including predictions for the future. It is clear that in 2030 there will be more people living in cities than in the past. Moreover, in the middle of the twentieth century the number of people living in urban areas was much lower compared with later years.
According to the chart, the percentage of the world’s urban population increased from about 30% in 1950 to nearly 48% in 2000. It is expected to reach around 60% by 2030. A similar trend can be seen in Africa and Asia. In Africa, only about 11% of people lived in cities in 1950, but this number rose to almost 38% in 2000 and is predicted to grow to about 51% in 2030.
Asia also shows steady growth. Around 13% of the population lived in cities in 1950, while the figure increased to nearly 37% in 2000 and may reach approximately 55% by 2030.
Latin America has the highest urban population in all three years, rising from about 42% in 1950 to 70% in 2000 and possibly 80% in 2030. Overall, urbanization is increasing in all regions.